GB2431634A - Device to prevent incorrect fuelling of a vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

A Filler Interlock prevents incorrect fuelling of diesel cars with petrol. To disengage this device the refuelling nozzle would have to engage with two strikers on opposite sides of the filler aperture simultaneously to unlock access bars. Unlocking just one access bar, as would be possible with a petrol nozzle, would not allow the nozzle to be inserted therefore preventing people putting petrol fuel into a diesel engine. A diesel nozzle is wider in diameter than a petrol nozzle, a petrol nozzle would not engage the strikers correctly to open the access bars. A self sealing baffle may also be provided, and the strikers may be spring loaded to ensure the device relocks automatically on removal of the nozzle.

Description

<p>Description</p>

<p>Title: Filler Interlock The Filler Interlock is designed to solve a problem primarily associated with diesel vehicles. In modern petrol cars the inlet is simply too small to accept a Diesel nozzle, and by placing a baffle flap behind the filling aperture it is virtually impossible to accidentally mis-fuel with diesel.</p>

<p>However, with diesel vehicles the problem is that the aperture will always be wider than a petrol nozzle. The filler interlock is a simple device that would prevent a nozzle being inserted into a filler aperture if it is below a minimum diameter.</p>

<p>Essentially the nozzle would have to engage with two strikers on opposite sides of the filler aperture simultaneously to unlock access bars. Unlocking just one access bar, as would be possible with a petrol nozzle, would not allow the nozzle to be inserted therefore preventing people putting petrol fuel into a diesel engine.</p>

<p>Figures 1, 2 and 3 show the Filler Interlock in Elevation and Plan in the closed position.</p>

<p>Figure 4 shows the Interlock with a petrol nozzle inserted. As can be seen it can only touch one striker at a time so the Interlock remains closed.</p>

<p>Figure 5 shows a Diesel nozzle inserted into the Interlock. Both strikers are in contact so both access bars are released allowing the nozzle to enter fully and breech the self sealing baffle.</p>

<p>The shape of the strikers and the spring loaded nature of the strikers and the access bars ensure that the system relocks automatically on removal of the nozzle. Attempting to force a ULP nozzle onto the aperture locks the access bar and striker together more tightly.</p>

<p>Failure of any spring causes that part of the Interlock to default to an "Open" condition, so refuelling would still be possible though care would be needed as present.</p>

<p>Refinements to the system could include the type of spring loading and the type of baffle used.</p>

<p>The Filler Interlock could be fitted at the production stage (best) but could also be produced as a modification for current diesel vehicles. On some vehicles it could also be self fitted as an accessory. The Interlock gives immediate protection against mis-fueling after t is fitted, and requires no pump nozzle modifications.</p>

<p>Finally the Filler interlock applications need not just be restricted to diesel vehicles. It would be of use in any situation where mixing of liquids can be a problem.</p>

Claims (1)

1. <p>Claims 1. A device designed to stop the mis-fueling diesel cars with

   petrol by preventing smaller petrol nozzles being inserted into the diesel fuel refilling aperture, using an interlock that can only be opened when the correct nozzle is inserted.</p>

   <p>2. A device mentioned in claim 1 which could be fitted to cars at the production stage.</p>

   <p>3. A device mentioned in claim 1 which could be fitted as a modification for current diesel vehicles.</p>

   <p>4. A device mentioned in claim 1 which could be self fitted as an accessory.</p>